Having a professional headshot is crucial for your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 810 million members. Your profile photo is one of the first things hiring managers will notice when viewing your profile. An impactful headshot helps convey your personal brand and leaves a strong first impression. But getting high-quality headshot photos can be expensive and time consuming. This is where Canva comes in handy!
Canva is a free online graphic design tool that makes it simple for anyone to create stunning graphics and photos. With Canva’s photo editor features, you can easily design a LinkedIn profile photo that looks professionally taken. Best of all – it’s completely free!
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to create the perfect LinkedIn profile picture using Canva. We’ll cover tips on taking your own photo, designing an eye-catching layout, and exporting your finished headshot. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Take a High-Quality Headshot Photo
The most important part of creating a great LinkedIn headshot is taking a high-quality photo to start with. Here are some tips for capturing the perfect photo at home:
Use a simple background: Solid color backgrounds work best for headshots. Neutral tones like gray, beige or white will allow you to stand out. Make sure the background is not distracting.
Face the light source: Position yourself facing natural light from a window for even, flattering lighting. Avoid having the light source behind you.
Look directly at the camera: Capture a straight-on headshot with your eyes directly facing the camera lens. This gives off an open, honest vibe.
Frame from chest up: Get close enough to frame your head and chest in the shot. Crop out anything below the shoulders.
Shoot multiple photos: Take a series of shots experimenting with angles and expressions. This gives you options to choose from.
Check focus and exposure: Review photos as you shoot to ensure eyes/face are in sharp focus and properly exposed. Retake if needed.
Shoot high resolution: Use the highest resolution setting on your camera or phone. This gives you flexibility for sizing later.
Following these photography tips will ensure you capture quality headshots right at home. While natural lighting is ideal, you can also use an external flash or light diffuser if needed. The key is getting a crisp, well-lit, close-up photo showcasing your face and upper body to create the perfect LinkedIn profile picture.
Step 2: Access Canva and Start a New Design
Once you’ve snapped some high-quality headshots, it’s time to hop on to Canva! The online graphic design program is easy to use – even for beginners. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Go to www.Canva.com
Head to the Canva website and create a free account if you don’t already have one.
2. Hit ‘Create a Design’
This will open up Canva’s template library. Search for ‘LinkedIn’ to find options designed specifically for LinkedIn images.
3. Select a ‘LinkedIn Headshot’ template
Browse LinkedIn headshot layouts and choose one you like as a starting point.
4. Resize to fit LinkedIn’s requirements
LinkedIn profile pictures must be 400 x 400 pixels. Use Canva’s sizing controls to resize your design.
5. Save your design as a JPG
LinkedIn requires JPG file format for photos. Make sure to save your final design as a JPG.
The great thing about using Canva for your LinkedIn headshot is you can start with pre-made templates. Now let’s customize the design by adding your photo!
Step 3: Upload and Edit Your Headshot Photo
Uploading your headshot into Canva is a breeze. The platform makes it easy to insert, edit and polish your photo within your design.
1. Click ‘Upload’ in the Photos tab
Find the Uploads tab on the left side and click ‘Upload’ to add your headshot photo to Canva.
2. Select your headshot photo
Choose the best headshot file from your computer to upload. Supported file types include JPG, PNG, and BMP.
3. Drag and drop photo into template
Once uploaded, drag your photo from the sidebar into the headshot placeholder in the template.
4. Resize and position photo
Use corner handles to enlarge your headshot to fill the frame. Position it properly within the layout.
5. Enhance photo lighting
Under the Effects tab, you can add filters like ‘Brightness’ if needed to improve lighting.
With your headshot inserted, it’s time to polish your design!
Step 4: Personalize the Headshot Design
One of the best things about DIY headshots with Canva is you can customize details to reflect your personal brand. Follow these tips:
Add your name
Use the text tools to insert your full name or just first/last name depending on your preference.
Include a professional title
Add a subtitle like “Marketing Specialist” or “Software Engineer” below your name.
Change colors/fonts
Edit colors and typography to suit your style. Stick to simple color schemes and easy to read fonts.
Insert icons or logos
Icons related to your industry or logos of brands you’ve worked with can help convey your professional expertise.
Add design elements
Frames, shapes, lines and other graphic elements can spruce up your design when used sparingly.
Remember – less is more with LinkedIn headshots. Keep customized additions clean, simple and professional. Now let’s export your completed design!
Step 5: Export and Upload to LinkedIn
Once your LinkedIn headshot design looks polished, the last step is exporting from Canva and uploading to your profile.
1. Export JPG file
Go to the green Download button (next to Save) and choose ‘JPEG’ to export a high-quality JPG.
2. Upload to LinkedIn
Go to your LinkedIn profile and change your photo. Upload the JPG you exported from Canva.
3. Double check image quality
Preview your new profile and make sure the image quality translated well. Re-export from Canva if needed.
And that’s it! With your professional headshot added, your LinkedIn profile is sure to make a great first impression on future connections and recruiters.
Conclusion
Creating an eye-catching yet professional headshot for LinkedIn doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With Canva’s free online design tools, you can easily DIY a headshot from any smartphone photo that looks like you hired a professional photographer!
Follow these simple steps:
1. Take a quality headshot photo
Use basic photography tips for lighting, framing, exposure, and resolution.
2. Build your design in Canva
Start with LinkedIn headshot templates and customize your layout.
3. Upload and edit your photo
Drag in your headshot photo and adjust lighting or positioning as needed.
4. Personalize with key details
Add your name, title, subtle graphics or branding elements.
5. Export high-quality JPG
Download your finished design as a JPEG image to upload to LinkedIn.
With your new professionally designed headshot, your LinkedIn profile will look polished, credible and ready to connect!